Two-Part Analysis (TPA) presents a scenario and asks you to select values or choices for two related components simultaneously. Both parts of your answer must satisfy all the conditions — they are interdependent.
A) The Format
A stimulus describes a situation, followed by a table with multiple rows (answer choices) and two columns. You must select one answer from each column. The two selections must work together — choosing one affects which option is valid for the other.
The question has two columns and 5–8 rows. You must select exactly one answer in each column. The same answer can appear in both columns — the two selections do not have to be from different rows.
B) Two Main Types
- Math-based TPA: the two components are numerical values or expressions that must jointly satisfy constraint equations.
Example: find values of x and y such that x + y = 10 and xy is maximized. Or select a revenue figure and a cost figure that together satisfy a set of given conditions. - Verbal / Logical TPA: the two components are parts of an argument — e.g., identify the assumption and the conclusion, or two parts of a plan that together achieve a stated goal. Reasoning is similar to CR but split across two columns.
C) Strategy for Math TPA
- Write down all constraint equations from the stimulus before looking at the table.
- Eliminate impossible values: if a Column 1 value cannot satisfy the constraints on its own (e.g., it must be positive and options show negatives), eliminate all rows with that value in Column 1.
- For remaining rows, test Column 1 and Column 2 values together against all constraints.
- Work systematically — do not guess. If 3 rows survive initial elimination, test each remaining one.
- Use the onscreen calculator for arithmetic; focus mental energy on setting up the relationships correctly.
D) Strategy for Verbal TPA
- Identify what each column's header requires (e.g., "Assumption" and "Conclusion," or "Cause" and "Effect").
- Treat each column independently first: find candidates that satisfy each column's role.
- Verify both choices are consistent simultaneously and fulfill their specific defined roles.
E) Common Mistakes
- Solving for one column and guessing the other — both must be explicitly verified together.
- Assuming the answer rows are symmetrical — they are not. Different Column 1 values may pair with different Column 2 values.
- Not reading column headers carefully — headers define exactly what each selection must represent. Misreading what each column requires is the most common TPA error.
- "If…then" format: evaluate each row step by step — does this row satisfy the condition? Does it satisfy the requirement in both columns simultaneously?
F) TPA Pattern Recognition
Five recurring TPA structures appear repeatedly. Identify which pattern you're in before setting up equations or logic:
| Pattern | Column 1 | Column 2 | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min / Max | Minimum of X | Maximum of X | Set up constraints; find bounds algebraically |
| Before / After | Original value | Resulting value after change | Apply the stated transformation to each candidate |
| Cause / Effect | Factor that strengthens | Factor that weakens (or vice versa) | CR reasoning applied to two columns |
| Two unknowns | Value of variable A | Value of variable B | Build system of equations; solve simultaneously |
| Trade-off pair | Benefit of option | Cost or risk of same option | Match both sides to the same option row |
G) Time Management
TPA questions typically take 2–3 minutes. If exceeding 3 minutes: lock in your more confident column choice and use process of elimination for the other. Never leave both blank.
H) What TPA Tests
TPA challenges you to make two choices simultaneously, subject to constraints. The five DI skills tested by TPA include:
- Strategize: find combinations that meet all constraints at minimum cost or maximum benefit — the most common TPA skill.
- Infer: determine what values logically follow from the given relationships.
- Evaluate: judge whether a proposed pair satisfies all stated conditions.